Make no mistake about it, the best way to see the Grand Canyon is from the sky. Nothing beats the thrill of soaring like an eagle above this massive red rock chasm. And although most companies don’t offer wheelchair-accessible air tours, Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines is the exception.
The excellent wheelchair access at Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines begins the moment you arrive at their Tusayan Terminal, which is located just outside the national park’s South Entrance. There’s accessible parking near the terminal and a barrier-free pathway over to the accessible entrance. Inside, there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter over to the ticket counter and through the adjacent gift shop.
This South Rim Airplane Tour is conducted in a high-wing Vistaliner aircraft with six steps; however, a portable ramp is also available. There’s a single seat with extra legroom near the aircraft door and ample room for a wheelchair-user to transfer to the seat. Passengers must have enough trunk support to sit upright for the flight, and wheelchairs can be stored in a secure area at the terminal. And although the crew is happy to set up the ramp, they can’t physically assist with boarding or transfers.
The narrated flight takes 45 minutes and includes views of the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, Kaibab National Forest, Kaibab Plateau and the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers. Priced at $139.99 this wheelchair-accessible flight is definitely a memorable and inclusive Grand Canyon experience.
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines is also taking extra precautions during COVID-19 to make sure all their passengers remain healthy. This includes extra cleaning of the aircraft and required temperature checks and face masks for passengers. Employees are also required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.
If You Go:
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines
(800) 634-6801
Candy B. Harrington | Writer | @CBHarrington
As a travel writer for 45 years, Candy has covered accessible travel exclusively for the past 25 years. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of a library of accessible travel guidebooks, including her popular national park series. And when she’s not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her travel photographer husband in their California Sierra home.
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